Saturday

When applying for a job especially through email, you need to ask yourself two questions: "What's the best subject line for an email in response to a job ad?" and "Should you attach the cover letter to the email, or copy and paste it into the body of the email?"

I always wondered this myself, so I did some research and here's the consensus:

It's straightforward and informative. It tells the recipient who you are, what you're sending, and why you're sending it.

This isn't a concrete formula, however. Since some job ads require you mention a job reference ID number when you apply, you should substitute the name of the position with the number. Example: “John Githinji CV for Sales Job REF #5527.”

Best way to include your cover letter:

Copy and paste your cover letter into the body of the email.

Why is this preferred method?

Three reasons: Here is why?

1. It gives the recipient one less attachment to open,

2. It gets to the point faster than writing the awkward "here is my CV and cover letter" and

3. It gives you the ability to make an impact as soon as the recipient opens your email.

Be sure to attach your CV to your email. And as always, refer to the company's job posting and apply, using whatever guidelines they specify. Adhering to the employer's guidelines will not only ensure your documents get to the right place at the right time, it will prove that you pay attention to details and follow instructions!